April 11, 2011

I'm still cleaning up the back table from Yard Sale Saturday over a week ago ... a small jar of buttons.

I dumped the buttons out on the table and sorted them out. Here's the catch.

A nice little collection. Only a couple duplicates, so it's my guess this person kept the extra's that come with some garments and perhaps an odd one here and there. (Versus some that cut the button off everything and there are many duplicates).

I sort and keep buttons by color groups. After sorting them, I then move them to plastic zip bags for holding.

Here's just my white, one folder of blacks and 'the metals'. I've been saving them (yes, I cut buttons off of garments that are ruined), as well as buying them whenever I come across. Originally I was going to use use them in 'found art', then charm bracelets, and now, perhaps, a doll here and there. Or, perhaps I'll not use them at all. I don't know.

April 05, 2011

On Saturday, at the local Hosanna Church yardsale, I picked up this button necklace.

It was laying next to a small bottle of buttons. I picked them both up and dropped them in my bag as I always pick up buttons. (Certainly not because I need them, I'm just unable to stop myself). When I pulled it out of the bag, I discovered it was really quite nice and decided not to get out the scissors to cut the buttons off.

An upclose view shows that it is a macrame button neckace. I'm not sure how the looped the buttons in (I haven't done macrame in a good 35 years). I put it on and wore it Saturday afternoon. It's lightweight, stays in place very nicely, and is fun.

This, of course, got me to thinking about button jewelry. So, I headed on over to Artfire to see what the 'button jewelry' artists were up to these days.

Well, if you want to make one of these, Beachet Crochet Designs has a PDF pattern to create a similar one. Her pattern is crochet, so perhaps mine is also, versus macrame .... I don't know.

April 02, 2011

Yard sale is in full swing here in St Tammany. Due to some family emergencies, however, time was limited so I selected what I considered was going to be the best ... the annual yardsale at the local Hosanna Church.

Arrived promptly at 8am and was home by 9. Todays selections ....

4 wood cigar boxes, which were being used as crayon boxes. I love boxes and these are the perfect size for mixed media fun. I know I already have a small stack of boxes awaiting creation in the garage, but these were just 50 cents each and they were calling me.
buttons -- a button necklace, a jar of buttons, and a card of dog and bone buttons.

A couple bracelets and necklaces to add to the bead and chain collections. I know I'll use these someday. Let me repeat that ... I know I'll use these someday ... I know I'll use these someday ... I sure hope I use these somedays as I've almost a ton of this stuff.

A bag of braid and some ribbons.

Box of Alphabet (and other) rubber stamps.

A package of unused Daisy Kingdom collars. I have no idea what I might do with these, but ....

Two cross stitch patterns which are Cajun related. These will go to the cross stitch section of my shop.

I'm going to start setting aside (like ya right, I'm that busy) an hour or two each to start playing with my stuff again.

March 16, 2011

Awhile back I found this photo tucked away in one of my patterns. I taped the picture to a cabinet door where I can see it frequently.

I find it so compelling as it makes me realize that we are who we are from the very beginning. Here we have the three girls. Two are playing, one barefoot, the other watching on in wonder, while the third girl sits a bit behind. Her look says it all .... I really don't belong here (with them).

From the size and the coloring of the original picture, I'd say it was taken in the late 80s. So, these girls should be in their 30s now. I would be my projection that the two girls playing may be hands-on people, ready to experiment and take on the world. Whereas, the 3rd girl, may have grown to become high maintenance and waiting for someone to rescue her.

March 12, 2011

Every Thursday the Yard Sale are printed in the Classified section of our local newspaper. Beau pull these out and puts them on the table for me. I browsed through them yesterday and landed on one that said Crafts. Well, okay.

What a beautiful morning it was.
Finds:

5 Sewing Pattern

A large wallet holding embroidery threads. This will be real handy for the car; which is where I work on the Padillies.

March 11, 2011

Last week a small lot of 6 quilt 'women' wall hangings caught my eye on Ebay. I waited until the last second, of course, and placed my bid; promptly paid my $15.00 ... and waited.

This is two of them .. the others are similar, just different ethnicities.

I went out to pick up the mail yesterday and they were here. Now, our mailman Bob (who will only walk up to the door if there is no way around it), had stuffed the Flat Rate Envelope into the mailbox. It was in there so tight, that I actually had to tug in out with one hand while holding the mailbox in place with the other hand, keeping one foot on the pole, just so I didn't pull it out of the ground. Seriously; this is only a slight fabrication.

Heading back to the house, I was thinking that these patterns are typically a couple pages each and I was expecting the whole package to be about 10oz, not nearly 3 1/2 pounds. It didn't take much to get it open; the tug-of-war with the mailbox had already put a couple substantial tears in it. And, what did I find ????

Well, there were the 6 patterns that I had purchased along with alot of other stuff. Let's see, odds and ends of some stitchery kits, misc. about a dozen iron-on transfers, a couple stitchery kits, along with a fair amount of other loose stitchery pages. Also, three of four large quilt templates, and other sheets with quilt template borders and then a couple little packs of partially cut out (fabric included) applique pieces.

So, I'm standing in my studio thinking ... What's up with this ... when my eyes land on one of my stacks of stuff (I know I cleaned them out two weeks ago; but they are re-accumulating). And the idea hit home.

My biggest problem with my stacks is it is typically 'Good' stuff, quite useable, but I don't have a designated place or system for it. Thus, it just stacks up awaiting a decision. And, the reality of my stacks are, when I finally get to them it's usually stuff I just get rid of ... Freecycle or local thrift stores.

Which got me to picturing the shipper mailing me these 6 patterns. Since I'd paid for a flat rate envelope, she's just gift me one of her stacks. Like a freebe.

They are now in my stack ..... I'll have to consider this concept next time I upgrade someone to a flat rate envelope and there is some room left over.

March 09, 2011

As one would expect, not every pattern that I acquire for my shop is in, what I would call, sellable condition. I typically will reject a pattern if it is missing major pieces, has no instructions or has been altered to the point that returning it to original condition is just to much hassle.

These rejects really are not as many as one might expect; perhaps one out of 20. As I accumulate these, I store them in a container by brand/number (sometimes missings pieces are found in the wrong envelopes).

But, at some point, it's time to let go. Typically when I finish processing lots that came in together.

Pattern Rescue to the Rescue .... Literally.

Over the last year I've sent them a bunch of my rejects and I always hope they put them to great use. If you've not check them out, gander on over ....

March 08, 2011

Hi. I'm Maisey. Fifth in the Heart Art Doll Practice sessions. I almost didn't come about being today when it was discovered the Current Channel on TV was having an 'This American Life' Telethon. But, in the end, it was set up to DVR to watch in installments. And, here I am.

Let me tell you, it was no easy feat. First off, although the instructions do not specifically say this, only lightweight cottons should be considered in my attire. But, I started with a dress of medium weight cotton (seriously, one could upholster a chair with this stuff), and then to add insult to injury, a vest was added, front and back. Now, mind, you, I know this is a semi-stylish outfit, but, my neck size is about 1" across with the opening at the top, so all that fabric from these linebacker shoulders and squared off behind, had to squeeze through my tiny neck. That what I mean about the injury. I was poked with pencil erasers, tugged with safety pins, and at one point, SHE even had may head clasped in her teeth while she tugged at my bottom quarters!. I was bruised and battered and had to be steamed to get the wrinkles out. Now, I know you think I'm exaggerating here, but LOOK AT ME. My mouth was stretched from the petite little heart of my sisters, to these huge, tribal lips. And, my sexy almond eyes are now flying disks. It's almost more than I can bear.

March 05, 2011

What do you think of my outfit? Some may comment on overuse of black and orange in my wardrobe. I could come up with some great lines .... like I bleed black and orange for my favorite team, or I'm always prepared for Halloween, but the truth is, orange matches my hair nicely and I've heard that black is very slimming.

I was placed on the table this afternoon for review and evaluation and it was suggested that my head was slightly crooked. OMG, how cruel these humans can be !

P.s. : It has been decided that my (and that of my future sisters) perfect weighting factor is one and a half cups of plastic pellets. AND, if my sisters are going to be as overstuffed as I am (we are not calling it a weight problem), that corresponding thread must be used!

March 03, 2011

Now are those faces only a Mother could love, or what? These two went better than the first. (Isn't that the way it goes however ... with practice, they get better). These are from the same pattern instruction set as the first .... Hearts and Bows from Divas Cloth Doll Creations. Improvements from my first doll ..
It takes 1 1/2 cups of the plastic pellets for the bottom to support the upper weight. When stuffing the doll, you have to hold her upright or the plastic pellets rearrange themselves up these sides and thus, make her a leaning, or on her side, doll.
It takes at least 3 times more stuffing to fill her solid than I would have expected.

I'm going to make a couple more. This is a good, basic doll, for practice. By this, I mean that the body itself takes little time to put together, allowing one to work on design of the doll features and accessories themselves. AND, I definitely need some practice on those faces !

February 28, 2011

I looked at this very sweet picture and Yes, I could certainly see the point. It would be much more enjoyable to sew when one is not surrounded by stacks of papers, decisions awaiting completion and stuff I just don't know what to do with. Not just sew, but just about anything would be more pleasant than the state of my studio.

So, all projects (or lack thereof) have come to a temporary halt. I'm dividing it all down .... keep & put away, give away, throw away. I'm dispensing with the stacks. Shouldn't take more than two days !

February 27, 2011

I'm not sure how we got on the conversation, but a couple weeks ago, I asked Beau if his Mother still had that same wreath that I had made her three years ago. He said yes, and it was quite sad looking. I told him the next time I was in Hobby Lobby and they had floral on 50% off, I would pick up the makings and create a new wreath.

Well, made a quick stop at Hobby Lobby yesterday to pick up a bag of plastic pellets. I promised I'd only be 10 minutes (Beau is not a Hobby Lobby fan and is waiting in the car). And, of course, floral was on 50% off, so my 10 minutes turned into 20 while I grabbed up wreath makings.

I've been knowing MIL for 20 years now. I learned that she was two-faced very early in our relationship. We took her to a Mardi Gras parade and she saw people she knew. She went over to them, hugged, kissed and spent a good 30 minutes talking with them. When she came back, the only comment she had was how fat and ugly one of the ladies was.

It's been like this through the years. With the exception of one son, someone in the family was always 'IT'; the one not in favor. For their designated time, very ugly things were said about 'IT'. Some might say she is elderly and but she knew what she was doing as she'd frequently follow up with the standard 'Don't tell anyone I said that'.

After Katrina, she came to live with us for 4 months while her neighborhood rebuilt / repopulated. Two years later she fell to great arthretic pain and needed help bathing and dressing, doctors appointments and such; staying with us a couple more months. It was during this time, that we stopped allowing her to talk bad about others. It was a slow process. She'd say something ugly about 'IT' and we would disagree with her, reinforcing how much we liked 'IT', etc. etc. etc. She didn't like this much.

She moved to assisted living in 2009, a great move for her in that it gave her companionship. She now had a group of ladies who, over lunch and afternoon coffee, could designate their IT's and tear them apart as group activity. We continued to see her regularly. We would pick her up every Thursday, take her to the grocery, then bring her to our home for dinner.

It was here, dinner, that my final stand took place. We were talking about the items left in her house and she indicated that she didn't care what happened to them; throw them out for all she cared. I asked her if we could have one of the couches (for our son's apartment) and she said No. At this moment, I realized We, or perhaps just Me, had been IT for sometime. By having her over weekly, we continued giving her new material. We weren't the ones who took her in, cared for her, entertained her, developed faithful routines involving her. And yet, we were the ones she talked ugly about to the rest of the family and her friends.

I was deeply hurt. I told her how I felt. Beau took her home. After that, all the routines stopped. I waited for months for an apology. And, then, one day, I didn't care anymore that I would be her forever 'IT'.

(Uh oh, looks like the camera finally bit the dust)

I suppose I volunteered to make the wreath as I am sorry that Beau has to go and visit her weekly alone. In retrospect, I hope she doesn't think it is a peace offering.

February 26, 2011

It's been quite awhile since I've been out on my yard sale circle. It's been cold, and, frankly, I've just not felt like it.

But today, the sun is up and it's warm. Beau is training for the upcoming Crescent City Classic and was going on a fast walk between the two trailheads. So, I had extra time between dropoff and pickup and decided to check out a couple yard sales versus going home for 30 minutes.

AND, I'm so glad I did. I was recently pondering buying a new sewing machine, but was holding off trying to figure out what I wanted. But, that all changed when I found this beauty this morning.

She's a Singer Athena 2000 from 1976. She's about 30 pounds and came in a heavy (heavy vinyl) case with 8 different foot attachments, 4 different plates, a ruffler, extra bobbins, and a small assortment of sewing accessories. They had the price listed at $150 and I offered $100 with the agreement that I could bring it back (they were in the neighborhood) if it didn't work well. Needless to say, my next stop (right after picking up Beau, of course), was the bank for the $100. It even had the original Instruction and Applications booklets, along with the certificate of warranty for 30 years. Now, the warranty is expired, but imagine when sewing machines came with a 30 year warranty.

I brought it home, set it up. I had to read the booklet to figure out how to thread it. And .... I'm a really happy camper ! It sews beautifully. There were a couple of receipts for buttons and zippers for 1990, so I'm assuming this has been in storage for a very long time. On Monday, I'm going to take it over to the Sewing Machine Shop and have it maintainced and lubed just to start out on the right foot.

February 23, 2011

I selected the next Craft Pattern to experiment with. It is Diva Cloth Doll Creations - Hearts & Bows .....

This is a simple two piece pattern, the body and the head. You sew the head to the body and then sew the front and back pieces together leaving a very small 1 1/2" hole at the top to turn inside out, and some weighting crystals, stuff, etc. There are directions for the pillow looking piece, but nothing mentioned about the piece that appears to be a wall hanging .. like what to attach to her to hang, what the bottom piece is, or how to attach. I give the instructions a straight C - adequate, but plenty of room for improvement.

The instructions indicated to put it all together and then adorn. I thought it might be better to sew on some designs first, but understand now why that is done over the fact ... it simply increased the bulk to fit through the small opening.

The face is added using sharpies, pencils, or whatever you want. The hair is made from strips of fabric, which you get damp and wrap around a pencil. Then, slip off and dry in the microwave. It's then glued to the head and a bow added. I don't know how long this would hold the curl with the humidity level.

I didn't do much adornment as I considered this a first attempt a learning experiment ... which it was. I cut out two more and I'll practice some more tomorrow. I'll definitely stay stitch the head opening, double stitch all the seams (she has neck issues; kind of like Frankenstein) and try adding liquid starch to the hair curls.

February 15, 2011

I selected Wish Upon A Star Quilt Wallhanging from my inventory as my next 'Adventures in Sewing' project. It looked a great beginner pr oject.

The pattern called for tracing the appliques to make the pattern pieces (versus cutting out the paper pattern), but I photocopied instead. I discovered a short time later that step is not necessary as the fusible web is fairly see-through and you can just lay it over the pattern and trace. I managed to get everything cut out and the applique in place before lunch. The picture has rosy cheeks, and there was not such template ib the pattern sheet, so I just cut little circles.

After a little practice and a few unmentionable words, I finally got the zig-zag function on my inferior machine figured out got the outline stitching done.

I hauled it back to my workbench to read up on putting in the eyes and the rest of the features and OH WOE IS ME ... I can't find the instructions. I looked all around my room, at this stack and that. Went through the recycle as well as the garbage, twice. Checked the bathroom, kitchen, refrigerator, the other bathroom. Everywhere I'd been and no ... I can't find. This type of thing drives me to distraction. I know that I should be able to figure it out from here, but the plan was to follow the directions, learn what needed learned, before I start freelancing.

So, it's on the back table, awaiting the return of the instructions. They will probably be there tomorrow.

I started clearing my workbench when the CD Changer brought a Simon and Garfunkle song. This got me to thinking ....

I started the 6th grade in El Cajon, Ca, where I quickly learned that the only thing worse than being short and fat, with red hair and freckles, is being all of that while wearing a dress. California girls do not wear the standard dress or skirt to school as did Oregon girls, but instead have fun tops and pants. Even if we could have afforded these clothes, Mother believed girls belonged in dresses.

Mother and I lived with Penny, her best friend from High School, and her much older daughters, Marcy and Diane. Fortunately, for me, the apartment was only 2 blocks from my school. This allowed me, along with a note, to go home for lunch.

I loved being in the apartment alone for that 45 minutes each day. Typically, I made a bologna sandwich with a side of ice cream. I'd put an album on the record player. Growing up, my mother had music; 1000 string instrumental Lawrence Welk kinda stuff. But Marcy and Diane had lots of other music. My favorite, at the time, being Simon and Garfunkle. I'd turn up the volume, much louder than would have been allowed, and I 'd sing. I knew the words to every song. I'd sing as loud as the music. During pauses, I'd have bites of my lunch. And then, I'd shut it all down, putting the album carefully back into the cover (as I'd never received permission to touch them), and I'd go back to school.

It was one such lunch and I was belting out the 'la la la' chorus of The Boxer, when I realized I wasn't alone. Marcy had appeared, and without even cracking a smile, turned down the stereo, and disappeared back to her bedroom. I thought I was going to die. I thought I was going to get in trouble for playing with the record player. I thought I wasn't going to be able to come home for lunch anymore.

That night I waited for the reprimand. I knew that Marcy would tell her Mother, who would tell my Mother, who would proceed with The Talk. But, it didn't happen.

Instead, Marcy took up singing The Boxer, slightly under her breath whenever I was around. And, whenever I came home for lunch, I checked the rooms before I put on the music.

February 13, 2011

Last week, we went into Hobby Lobby to select a fabric to reupholster the ottoman in our living room. While there, of course, I had to buy odds and ends of 'other stuff'. One of which, was this cute little bandana. I thought I'd put cut out a couple of the 'Love' and applique to a little T-Shirt. But, once I got started, it turned into this little dress, the base of which is just a little undershirt.

I'd also picked up a yard of an adorable kids fabric with snails and butterflies and matched it up with a little blue t-shirt. I selected pattern McCalls M4422 for the pants. (I plan on trying the little dress in a couple days). The pants are dramatically shorter (and smaller) than those I made the other day, although they are both Size 3. I used some of the fabric to applique the T-shirt. Again, I still think it looks a little big, but I haven't seen her since October, so perhaps not.

I packed up the box yesterday with the three outfits I made, along with some new PJ's, panties and undershirts. And, of course, a cute cute card and some candies and got it all mailed Priority. I hope she likes them!.

When I was a young, I was going to be a writer when I grew up. Well, that, along with an astronaut, a famous singer and a heavy equipment crane operator. As you might guess, none of those dreams came about and instead, I proceeded through life as one of the ordinary. Certainly nothing wrong with that.

Lately, I've been feeling the need to tell a couple of my stories. These are basically the stories that I've not been able to say the words out loud, that some family members and friends are waiting to hear. I've decided it might be best just to write them and get it over with. But, as I already mentioned, that writing career never happened and I have no idea where to start.

Enter Cathie McFarland. Cathie is one of the instructors giving classes for the St. Tammany Parish Library. Her class is called Memoir Writing and it meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Wednesday was our first class and it was light and almost fun.

The first assignment is a Food Theme. Directly or indirectly. Two pages. So, over the next four weeks, you are probably going to hear stories about Food ... directly or indirectly, as I practice.

February 09, 2011

Back in the early 70s, living outside of San Diego, my mother collected demitasse cups and their little matching saucers. Very much like this one, from The Vintage Teacup.

Although she preferred the matching pieces, she would buy separates and mix and match to her liking. She usually found them at Thrift Stores.

There was a chunky three shelf wall unit where they were placed. Other than cleaning when the dust began overshadowing the motifs, they were never touched. There were her 'pretties' and strictly off limit.

I do not recall the actual year, perhaps '72 or '73, but there was an earthquake. Not a monumental shaker, but enough to rattle the walls. I was reading a book on the couch and watched the painful event -- the shelf fell to the floor.

Several minutes later, Mom came in wearing her white starched nurses uniform to witness me picking up the broken pieces of glass. I suggested we could glue some of them, but she said 'No' and put them in the garbage. The shelf unit was taken apart and stuck in a closet. Only two cups and one saucer remained, which were moved to her dresser. To my knowledge, she never collected more.

I picked up a sewing pattern this morning to list in my shop. It's called My Cup of Tea by Sew Happy, and incredible enough, it is for fabric teacups and saucers. Let me say that again; FABRIC TEACUPS and SAUCERS.

At first I thought it was some type of wall hanging piece, but after looking over the pattern pieces and instructions, it is quite obvious that these are the 'almost' real thing ... fabric replicas of tea cups and saucers. The actual dimensions are not stated but along the side of a small china teacup and its matching saucer.

I sat here wondering why anyone would want to create sets of fabric teacups and then, I thought of Mom. If she'd had these, instead of those little demitasse cups, they would still be in existence ! Although, I don't think the demitasse has anything to worry about.

February 07, 2011

Awhile back I picked up a box of Mens Vintage patterns, some from the 1960s, but most from the 1970s. Being a teen from the 1970s, I'm finding the fashions fun, and some of the models immensely attractive.

This mens caftan is basic, and quite sexy. I like at both lengths and thinks the hood is a great extra touch for use in getting out of the shower. Shorten it to hip length, add a couple more ties, and you'd have somewhat Jim Morrison tunic.

Simplicity tried to make this appeal across styles. We've got a bit of the late 60s bad boy and a little bit of hippie plaid. These jean jackets come back periodically. I wouldn't be surprised to see a return soon.

Sew Lovely M36C -
Okay, so it is a timeless fashion. Titty Whities do not change much, but the model is such fun. Notice that he has that fine head of hair and mustache, but not another hair on his body.

Simplicity 5161 -
Cuffed pants are gaining polularity, as is the band and vent on the back of the jacket in this three piece suit.

McCalls 3521
This sports jacket is starting the conversion to the more casual shirt-jacket.

Simplicity 9435
This is a combo pattern (Mens & Misses) with alot going on. Lace-up ties, long rounded collar, wide cuffs, puffy long sleeves. There just a little swashbuckler and a little Robin Hood.

February 06, 2011

Do you every get hung up on Song lyrics? We were leaving the Chinese Restaurant yesterday afternoon, Margaritaville was tuned on the radio since Beau was at the wheel (driver gets to choose the music). I'd never heard the song playing, but a couple lines of the lyrics jumped out and hit me.

Born in a paper sack? Just what would one look like if they were born in a paper sack? I asked Beau, who persumed that would mean they were VERY white in that no light would be exposed in a paper sack. I didn't question him further. Like really, is there much light in the womb? Or, how about our natural inherited pigments. I found myself thinking about it off and on all afternoon. Later, when Alex came through, I suggested he ponder on the idea at work and we could talk about it later. He gave me that 'ya right' look.

So, several hours later, I did a Google; I thought I'd see what other folks thought it meant. The first site I pulled up said the line was
"I have a friend named Jack,
Look like a bone in a paper sack".

U-Turn. Now I'm wondering what one would look like if they were a bone in a paper sack.

I continued searching Google and I think that 'Jack was born in a paper sack'. At least that's the way Widespread Panic actually play it.

So, what do you think you'd look like if you were born in a paper sack. No response required, however, I must admit I'm interested in what you might think.